7 Unusual Romantic Breaks in the UK for Couples

If you’re coupled up then you know one of the best things you can do with a partner is get away on a romantic break to spend some quality time together and rekindle the fire in your relationship. However if you are a frequent traveller then you might get bored with the same old hotels and B&Bs for your time away. In this post we asked travel bloggers for their best recommendations for unusual romantic breaks in the UK to make your romantic getaways exciting once more.

Unusual Romantic Breaks in England

For the ultimate unusual romantic break in the UK why not stay in a fairytale castle? One of the best Castles in The Cotswolds, Thornbury Castle has a fascinating history associated with King Henry VIII and the Tudor family.

The luxury bedrooms are decorated in an authentic Tudor style complete with four poster beds and the castle is surrounded by over 15 acres of parkland. There are plenty of activities at Thornbury Castle for visitors on a romantic break including horse riding, archery and falconry.

Thornbury Castle is also a dog friendly hotel so you can bring your four legged friends along to stay. During your stay you can check out some of the best things to do in The Cotswolds for couples for romantic and fun activities.

Rooms start at £240 per night for couples. Check availability and book your stay here.

If you’ve ever wanted to stay in a roundhouse, head to Bodrifty in western Cornwall and get ready for a bit of time travel. Hidden away on a rural farm in the glorious Cornish countryside, Bodrifty Roundhouse is an authentic recreation of a Celtic dwelling, complete with thatched roof, earth floor, and cooking hearth. There was once an Iron Age for here, so you can really feel the history beneath your feet.

Going back to basics is the ultimate unusual romantic break in the UK and takes romance to a whole new level, with just nature, flickering candles, and each other for company. Your day will begin with breakfast in the leafy glade, watching the local wildlife foraging in the woods. Then there’s plenty to do out and about within a short drive of the roundhouse. Up on the north coast you can explore the cliffs and bays, with Gurnard’s Head and Porthmeor Cove offering lots of iconic Cornish scenery. Alternatively, drive south to Penzance and St. Michael’s Mount or check out Land’s End and take in a performance at the open-air Minack Theatre.

Back at the roundhouse you can cook dinner in the nearby treehouse (which also has a private bathroom) and sit around the hearth fire just as Iron Age people would have done. As dusk falls, watch the bats performing acrobatic displays in the clearing, and do a spot of star gazing if the sky is clear. Then it’s time to climb into the rustic four-poster bed and dream of adventures to come.

It costs from £185 per night to stay here. Click here to book a rental car.

If you are looking for a romantic break in London with a difference, the Sunborn Hotel is the perfect London hotel with a view. A sleek super-yacht moored in the Docklands, each room has a view over the city and an interior of polished wood, chrome fittings and luxurious fabrics. Rooms are large, even the cheapest come with a sitting area with soft sofas and coffee tables, and the on-board public areas have a sweeping staircase, chandeliers and a glamorous restaurant and bar.

Nearby are the perfect couples activities: take the cable car over the Thames at sunset to see some incredible views from on high, or try the O2 climb at dusk, a once in a lifetime experience where you can drink champagne at the top of the O2 with London spread out before you.

For romantic meal out with your partner check out one of these aesthetic London restaurants for delicious instagram-worthy food to remember.

Over the river is Greenwich with its huge park where you can walk through the acres of cherry blossom each spring, cross Prime Meridian or visit the beautiful Painted Hall where you lie on your back on comfy benches to admire the most incredible Baroque paintings.

The Sunborn does afternoon teas where you sit in the gleaming restaurant and enjoy dainty plates of sandwiches, scones and cakes, or book their ultimate romantic package which gives you an upgraded room complete with rose petals, a tray of chocolates and a three course dinner in the restaurant.

Rooms can cost for as little as £120 per night, a suite is about £440. Book out of peak season to get free perks and upgrades. Click here to check availability or to book a room.

Smiggle Retreat is a luxurious shepherd’s hut situated in the Derbyshire countryside, in the town of Matlock. On the edge of the Peak District, it’s a gorgeous rural glamping retreat which sleeps two people.

It costs around £200 for the indulgence package which includes a romantic overnight stay with petals on the bed, balloons and treats like chocolate dipped strawberries and macarons on arrival.

As well as this, you also get a meal for two in the separate snug, a cosy outbuilding with an open fire and candles to set the mood. The meal includes home-grown and local produce, sourced and lovingly prepared by the hosts.

Smiggle Retreat’s countryside location means that you can go for romantic walks through the rolling hills during the day before cosying up in a traditional pub for lunch and a drink. When you get back, you can jump in the hot tub for some RnR. The hot tub area is completely private so you won’t be disturbed.

The remote location means that your hot tub dip is super tranquil and the lack of light pollution means that you can spot the stars from here too. Don’t forget to make a wish if you see a shooting star!

During the day, you can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding hills and jump on the love swing – a large rope swing in the grounds specially made for two people to enjoy.

Check out the city of Nottingham nearby for 19 Romantic and Unusual Date Ideas

Unusual Romantic Break in Northern Ireland

Escape to an enchanting treetop lodge and be captivated by the forest views as you gaze out panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Burrenmore Nest in Castlerock, Northern Ireland is the perfect hideaway for couples wanting to enjoy an unusual romantic break in the UK. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the woodland as you stand on the balcony and take in the sights and sounds of nature. Nothing could be more romantic than sinking into your very own outdoor whirlpool bath under the night sky.

Each lodge is unique and stylishly decorated. They are raised on stilts so that you quite literally feel like you are at one with the forest. You can choose from ‘Swallow’s Nook’, ‘Robin’s Perch’, ‘Peacock’s Roost’ and ‘Pipit’s Hide’. This stunning boutique accommodation in the heart of the forest is just moments from the North Coast of Ireland. You can easily explore all of the hidden gems of Antrim’s coastal route and Lion’s Gate entrance to Mussenden Temple is just a 7 minute walk away from this romantic hideaway. 

Explore the wider 100 acres of National Trust estate, free to public access – including the Downhill Demesne, the Black Glen and gardens at Bishop’s Gate. Another romantic activity is to walk to nearby Downhill and Benone strand to enjoy miles upon miles of sweeping sandy beach. Cosy up by the campfire, enjoy a movie night with your in-room projector or simply pour a drink, grab a good book and unwind with nothing but you and the forest surrounds.

Unusual Romantic Breaks in Scotland

Bursting with ragged and impressive coastlines, Scotland is arguably one of the best places for an unusual romantic getaway in the UK, if not the world. What better way to enjoy the calming atmosphere than staying in a lighthouse on a private island?

The Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage is nestled on the Isle of Skye just off the west coast of Scotland. It’s only a short boat ride away from the mainland during high tide, or within walking distance from the adjoining Ornsay island.

Ornsay Light itself is a working automated lighthouse, and it can be quite magical witnessing the structure blink in coded conversation at dusk. In addition to being remote and completely secluded, there are old books lining up the countless shelves all over the house and various board games!

The most unique thing about staying here, bar the accommodation itself, is that you’ll be the only people on the entire island. It’s truly a haven for couples wanting to get away from the world. Look out for the local wildlife here, including otters, minke whales, and harbour porpoises, climb over rocks and plunge in rock pools, go fishing, and grill some s’mores on the fire pit.

It costs around £550 per night, although there’s a minimum stay of 3 nights. This does include a private boat charter for arrival and departure!

One of the cutest & coziest places for an unusual romantic break in the UK for couples is RiverBeds Luxury Wee Lodges in Ballachulish, Scotland. Located in the stunning Glencoe area, these wee lodges give you the perfect chance to reconnect in privacy while still being close to everything the area has to offer.

There are many fun activities to enjoy including hiking (the Devil’s Staircase is especially lovely) and exploring the old abandoned slate quarry. With Loch Levan right in the middle of the village, you can also enjoy fishing & Kayaking. If you love to golf, RiverBeds is the perfect spot – it’s located just off the award-winning 9-hole Woodlands Glencoe golf course. Make sure you stop by The Laroch Restaurant & Bar. It has a wonderful old pub vibe and excellent food – make sure you try the mushroom soup – delish!

Each tiny lodge comes with its own private hot tub (excellent after a day of exploring Glencoe) and a private patio overlooking the river. Relax with your morning coffee or evening glass of wine while listening to the sounds of the river. They may be tiny, but they provide everything you need including an en-suite bathroom, kitchenette, and one of the most comfortable beds you’ll find anywhere, all for around £420/night.

If you are planning a trip to Scotland, be sure to check out 3 can’t miss places to visit in Scotland! Learn all about this area, and a couple of other hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Click here to check availability or book a room.

Final Thoughts: Unusual Romantic Breaks in the UK

We can’t wait to check out some of these unusual romantic breaks in the UK next time we are going on a weekend break and we hope you found some inspirarion for your next romantic break too!

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Steph

Steph is the main writer of Book It Let's Go! and is arguably the better half of the couple. She is an expat originally from England currently residing in St Kitts where she teaches veterinary students. In 2019 Steph packed up her old life, her husband Lewis, and their 2 cats in to leave the cold and wet behind in exchange for beaches and palm trees. Now she has made the leap to move abroad she has no plans to return anytime soon and wants to help others make the leap to move abroad too. Steph is currently enjoying being based in the Caribbean and doing some island hopping while planning her next big adventure with Lewis.